My life history has become a time of significant losses.

The community that we came to, worked in and where we raised our family is dwindling.

It follows that significant heroes in my life and the life of this community will be admired and talked about now as memories.

I want to remember an inspirational woman who has left us, and will be missed by many, and in ways some don’t even realize.

Joyce Ross was so many things: wife, mother, teacher, advocate for children, community organizer and heart and soul of the Albert Lea Community Child Care Center.

Joyce had the vision that developed the center into a community asset and a saving grace for many, many families. She was always “pushing the envelope” in her steadfast resolve to serve families however they needed help and to provide care and to foster development of their children.

One of her most amazing qualities was her ability to nurture and develop the young women who staffed the center. A lot of the staffers were just out of training, and away from home for the first time. The older, more experienced teachers were not always as patient while the younger women were honing their skills, but Joyce made it possible for all of us to see the potential in these staffers and for them to see their way to becoming that potential.

I think this is exactly what all the noise is about right now in regard to education reform; the need for teachers to be mentored, supported and listened to, not just dropped into the classroom to go it alone.

I just pray that there are some more heroes like Joyce who will be coming to the aid of the community during these challenging times and limited resources.

There are now two facilities operated by the center that serve 300 of the children of Freeborn County.

When Joyce was hired there were 20-some children being served at Christ Episcopal Church, and she told the board that she would like to do more for more children now that her own children were grown. And she was as good as her word.

Judith Myers

Albert Lea